PCOS confusion - frustrated and don't know where else to go

[catherineluck]

Recently I was diagnosed with PCOS. I get my period every other month and have experienced acne in the last year or so - I had bloodwork done and also a pelvic sonogram. Bloodwork showed that where 2 of my hormone levels should be equal, instead my FSH was 7 compared to the other which was a 4. Sonogram showed no cysts by my doctor still said that I have it. Is it true that you can still have PCOS without any actual cysts? Also I was prescribed Yasmin because it "specifically helps with PCOS," but I'm not sure how that is. Also, I have had problems in the past with depression and have had a lot more problems with it in the last couple of months. I feel like I've had horrible mood swings and don't even know what's normal for me anymore. Does this have anything to do with PCOS and how do these hormones effect emotional levels? I would really appreciate any answers that I can get. I'm feeling very frustrated about trying to find answers with my own doctor and don't know where else to go. Thank you

[singinmelissa]

Hi, I have PCOS too, and I was lucky enough to be diagnosed when I was 16 (3 years ago). I had tried the diet and exercise approach, and losing weight caused me to be able to have a period, even though I was very irregular (I'd have maybe 2 periods a year). I tried the Metformin, and that didn't work for me, but last March I went on Ortho Evra (the Patch) and that really worked for me. I can totally understand the crazy mood swings, because I was there. You could also just need more time to get used to the hormones in the Yasmin. I know for the first few months, I had bad headaches and spotting until my body adjusted. But talk to your doctor and see what she says.

[twinmom1]

Depression and mood swings are the sad signs of hormone wackiness...acne too. Do you mind me asking your age? Could be perimenopause which can start in your late 30's (eeks). Take the Yasmin. It helps with the acne and the moods for me. I did have AWEFUL headaches with it the first 3 or 4 months. Your doctor needs to watch your blood pressure on it for a while. Other advice, go for the endorphine fix when you can. Even if it's a walk around the block or using the stairs in lieu of the elevator (within reason). Nothing fights the blues more than the mighty endorphine.

[Stacie30]

i TTC for 6 years... tried Metformin, fertility drugs, and was getting ready for IVF... I went on the South Beach Diet and started walking 1/2 hour a day on the treadmill-- i got pregnant the next cycle... try it!!! it works!! and it's pretty easy to follow.

[pixie23]

Hi, i have PCOS too, it's nice to see i'm not alone in this, i was diagnosed when i was 19. The doctor said i was lucky because not many women find out at such a young age.......I didn't feel lucky at all.
I've tried the birth control way, and yes it does work, BUT a word of caution: watch your blood pressure, as my skyrocketed and i was put on blood pressure meds at the age of 21 and am not allowed to take the pill again; As for Metformin, i was put on that and it didn't work at all, it did the opposite.....i hope you have more luck......:)
At this point i'm 22 and my fiance and i are trying to get pregnant, this seems to be quite a test. I keep getting symptoms that i am, and even the doctor is convinced, so he does a blood test and then.............Nothing, I'm getting so frustrated,  I'm not sure what to do.

[Stacie30]

I have PCOS too. You can still have PCOS and not show cysts on your ovaries a particular month. As far as hormone levels causing emotional mood swings- boy do they!! :o) When I asked for birth control my doctor gave me Yasmin too saying it helped to reallign the hormones that were "out of whack" I didn't ask further about it though. I know what was helpful for me in regulating it was diet and exercise (of course I was trying to get pregnant at the time too) South Beach Diet works wonders because it helps to regulate your insulin levels (something else that's usually wrong in PCOS women) and by doing so restores your ovulation and regulates your period. there is also a drug called Metformin (usually used for diabetics) that can do the same thing.

The frustrating thing with PCOS is that it has such a range of symptoms and not all women have all symptoms. for instance- my cycles were perfectly regular but I never ovulated. I've researched PCOS quite a bit. If you have other questions I may be able to help you out.

Stacie